Can Phillies keep conquering Nationals?
In the topsy-turvy world of the National League East, seemingly anything is possible. Just consult the Phillies’ recent work for confirmation of as much.
This afternoon, Philadelphia (11-10) goes for its first road sweep of Washington in seven years. Oddsmakers at online sports book BetDSI nonetheless like Dusty Baker’s club to salvage the series finale at Nationals Park. Several hours before the 4:05 p.m. ET first pitch, the over/under figure rests at 7.5 runs.
Pete Mackanin’s troops have limited the Nats to a total of three runs and two extra-base hits over the past 18 frames. Even all-world right fielder Bryce Harper is being held in check. After homering in all three of the recent meetings in the City of Brotherly Love, he’s walked five times this week.
Harper does, however, boast two career long balls off Philly starter Aaron Nola (1-2, 4.50 ERA). The young righty surrendered a single run and struck out seven in seven innings of a 5-2 triumph at Milwaukee on Friday. He’ll encounter Tanner Roark here in what ostensibly shapes up as a favorable matchup for the visiting squad. Roark’s 1-4 with a 7.18 ERA as a starter vs. the Phils. Last July at Citizens Bank Park, he served up a career-high eight runs in 3 1/3 innings of an 8-5 defeat.
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Still, we simply can’t bank on the Nationals (14-6) losing their third in a row in the nation’s capital. In a contest that begs to be decided by the bullpens, ride with the one fronted by Jonathan Papelbon.
THURSDAY MLB FREE PICK: NATIONALS -1.5
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